The Law Offices of Edward J. Chandler, P.A. is a full service law firm providing aggressive representation to clients in the areas of Family law, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Real Estate, Foreclosure Defense, Mortgage Loan Modification, Short Sales, Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure, Commercial Litigation, Business, Unfair Competition, Fraud, Personal Injury, and Criminal Defense.

Biography of Edward J. Chandler, Esq.

Mr. Chandler is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Wisconsin, and is a member of the Supreme Court of the State of Florida, the United States District Court for the Southern District and Northern District of Florida, 4th District Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. Tax Court, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Mr. Chandler received his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and his law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law, where he was a marshall in the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.

Mr. Chandler lives in South Florida. His practice has expanded to include such areas as criminal law, Federal Criminal Defense, personal injury, family law, business law, commercial litigation and real estate.

If for some reason we cannot assist you in any legal matter, we will refer you to a trusted colleague who may be able to help you.

The history of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Federal sentencing guidelines were established by Congress in 1987 to create uniform sentences for similar crimes across the country. Unlike mandatory minimum sentencing laws which can eliminate judicial discretion, the guidelines require a sentencing judge to consider various facts about the specific crime and defendant to justify a sentence within the guidelines. Judicial consideration of these facts lead to a "guideline range," for example: 18 to 24 months. Mandatory minimums are "one-size-fits-all," but the guidelines allow for upward or downward departures in unusual cases.

Unfortunately, mandatory sentencing laws supersede or "trump" the sentencing guidelines, so judges first must determine if a defendant has been convicted of a crime which triggers a mandatory minimum penalty. If so, the mandatory minimum sentence must be imposed regardless of the sentencing guidelines recommendation. Current federal sentencing guideline tables can be found at the U.S. Sentencing Commission's website.

There are only two ways to avoid a mandatory minimum sentence. First, a defendant can provide "substantial assistance" to the government by turning in other defendants. Second, a defendant in a drug case only can qualify as a "safety valve" defendant. Congress created the “safety valve” in 1994 to address excessive sentences for nonviolent drug offenders. Congress created the “safety valve” in 1994 to address excessive sentences for nonviolent drug offenders. It is very difficult to qualify as a “safety valve” defendant, and thousands of nonviolent drug defendants are still sent to prison for decades under mandatory minimum sentencing laws. But a low-level, nonviolent offender who qualifies for the “safety valve” can be sentenced at the judge’s discretion under the sentencing guidelines instead of mandatory minimum laws. You qualify for a “safety valve” only if your “criminal history category” is a Category I under the sentencing guidelines, you did not threaten violence or possess a gun, your offense did not result in death or serious bodily injury; you were not a leader in the offense; and you agree to provide the prosecutor with all the information and evidence you have concerning the offense and related offenses.

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines were created by the United States Sentencing Commission in the 1990's. They purported to be a statistical compilation of sentences imposed in the federal courts throughout the nation for a given crime and where given sentencing factors were present. The purpose was to establish a degree of uniformity in sentences throughout the nation.

The Sentencing Guidelines were binding on the federal judges until 2006 when the United States Supreme Court declared that the guidelines were unconstitutional. The Supreme Court declared that the guidelines were advisory and not mandatory on the judges.How calculate a federal sentence:
You must determine the offense conduct:
Chapter two of the guidelines sets forth the "base offense level" for the crime with which you are convicted. You must determine theOffense related adjustments
In Chapter Three you will see a number of offense-related adjustments.
"Acceptance of responsibility" §3E1.1. Acceptance of Responsibility provides a reduction of two or three points (depending on your base offense level) You must determine theCriminal history category
They will assess one to three criminal history point (which is different than a guideline point) for each prior conviction depending upon the length of the conviction. You then consult the criminal history table. It provides as follows:

Catetory Points

I (0 or 1)

II (2 or 3)

III (4, 5, 6)

IV (7, 8, 9)

V (10, 11, 12)

VI (13 or more)

You must determine number of months and dusted offense level from The sentencing table range;

On Page 392 the "adusted offense level" is found by adding or substracting the offense-related adjustments to the base offense level. Then determine the criminal history category. Using the table you will then be able to determine your sentencing guideline range.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

My goal is to represent my clients as I would want to be represented, always putting their interests first, diligently working to fully understand and serve the clients' needs. In short, to do whatever it takes for the successful resolution of the
clients' causes. If you are being investigated or charged with a Federal or State criminal offense, you need to seek the advice of Edward J. Chandler, Esq., an experienced Florida Federal and State criminal defense attorney since 1991! Right now, you may be filled with fear, confusion, embarrassment, and anger. You probably have a thousand questions and want to know your rights and how to proceed. With your future as stake, you need to think smart and speak with an experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Since a criminal conviction may affect your future, your reputation and your chances of getting a job, it is critical that you seek out an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney such as Edward J, Chandler, as soon as you are being investigated or charged with a Federal or State criminal offense. The right Florida criminal defense lawyer can evaluate your case, determine legal strategies, and defend you in court, increasing your likelihood of staying out of jail and protecting your future.

Given the complexity of criminal defense in Florida, it is important that you choose a Florida criminal defense lawyer that knows the Federal and State systems, and who combines experience with a track record, and who has a thorough understanding and familiarity with the law, the prosecutors and the local courts. If you have been accused of a crime, your time to get the right experienced Federal or State criminal defense attorney is limited. Regardless of whether you are innocent or guilty, you deserve aggressive, experienced legal representation.

Violating the laws in Florida can result in harsh punishments, such as incarceration and fines. However, being charged with a Federal or State criminal offense does not have to devastate your entire life. Edward J. Chandler, Esq, is here to ensure that you get your life back, your peace of mind and your freedom. "I employ an aggressive defense, often convincing the prosecution to reduce the charges against you or, in some cases, dismissing them. My sole priority is to achieve a resolution that you can live with."

Attorney Edward J. Chandler has successfully represented numerous clients charged with criminal offenses throughout the State of Florida. Edward J. Chandler prides himself on aggressive representation with a personal touch. Armed with Federal and State legal knowledge and experience, he can build a winning defense. Edward J. Chandler, Esq. is accustomed to taking on the criminal justice system and achieving the best results for his clients. In addition to personally handling your case from investigation, arrest, bond hearing, arraignment, discovery and through jury trial, Edward J. Chandler, Esq. will be available to you during every step of the criminal procedure. Edward J. Chandler guarantees that you and your case will receive his undivided attention.

When your future is on the line…Call the Law Offices of Edward J. Chandler, P.A. at (954) 788-1355 24/7 immediately! Your phone consultation is free and completely confidential.